Challenges for women in Synthetic Biology #3 - Nethaji Gallage

Building a strong synthetic biology community in Europe requires the fair and equal involvement and participation of women. Unfortunately, women still face many challenges and obstacles in science and industry. That is why we are addressing this issue by highlighting powerful examples of women in synthetic biology in our blog series “challenges for women in synthetic biology”. 

This time, we have interviewed Nethaji Gallage, the CEO & co-founder of Octarine, a company specialized on the biotechnological production of cannabinoids and related compounds. Nethaji will be also joining our EUSynBioS symposium 2020 ABSE V joint event on the 2nd of November to discuss entrepreneurship in synthetic biology, so this interview is a good opportunity to get to know her better before the live session at our symposium!

How did you become involved with synthetic biology and industry?

I was driven by the curiosity of understanding nature at the molecular level and later I realized that knowledge can be applied to re-design nature to have new abilities that have applications across many disciplines.

During my MSc, I was a research intern at Novozymes and my PhD was a collaboration with Evolva. Having been part of industry at early stages really showed me how science can be applicable and how lab research can be turned into commercial products.

After completing my PhD, I was uncertain which path I would take. It is not possible to receive a research grant in Denmark if you do not spend at least one year in a foreign research institute. Because I am a mother of three children and I share my eldest son with my ex-husband, it was practically impossible for me to fulfill that requirement. Consequently, I decided very early on that I would shift my career to industry. I have been always passionate about commercializing lab-research, so this decision suited me well.

What is your current work about?

Today, I am a co-founder and the CEO of Octarine. Octarine is perfecting a biological approach for the production of improved & novel cannabinoid and psychedelic molecules with tailored modes-of-action. Our proprietary technology combines synthetic biology, yeast fermentation and enzymatic derivatization to develop intellectual property protected drug candidates that are validated in preclinical screening.  

During your career, have you encountered difficulties, which were (directly or indirectly) linked to gender bias?

I grew up in Sri-Lanka and moved to Denmark when I was 19. Since that day, I have experienced many challenges, and some of those were directly linked to being a foreigner, an Asian, a woman, a woman of colour and a mother, I mean there are so many categories and prejudice. However, I have always focused on what is most important and what matters the most while I blur everything else as background noise.      

Which, if present, are the challenges linked to gender bias currently affecting you?

Right now, I am so busy moving Octarine from A to B that I really have not had the time to reflect on this journey as a female founder and a CEO. It is clear that entrepreneurial environments are dominated by men, currently, 90% of my stakeholders (investors, partners, executives) are men. But I would say that I have met many men who fully support and encourage my role as a founder and CEO.   

As any parent with young children, I do struggle finding a balance between my work and family. I try my best not to plan any meetings at family dinner time or during weekends. But having stakeholders in the US and Canada, it is rather challenging not to have any meetings in the late afternoon. Since I founded Octarine, I have not had a holiday where I could leave work related matters fully behind. So, I am challenged, and honestly do not have an answer on what is the best way to navigate this.

How do you wish the situation to be in the future and what measures do you think are needed to get there?

Changes are coming, even though it happens at a very slow pace and we all have a role to play in getting there. I am optimistic, and I can only hope that the path I have taken is now cleared for those who will follow and that other women in science will feel encouraged to take the path of entrepreneurship. I am well aware that, as the CEO of Octarine, I have an amazing opportunity to promote diversity in the working environment. It is important to me that there is female representation in Octarine’s board, management and R&D team.  

Which advice would you give to women aspiring a career in science?

First of all, prioritize your health and well-being and do not see it as a weakness but as a strength to have something else in your life that you care equally or more for than science or career. Secondly, it is very important to expand your network to understand what other career paths are out there. I would also recommend having a mentor or advisor. Then, focus on your goals and never give up!